GCC travel and tourism to generate $44 billio

MANAMA: The travel and tourism industry in the GCC is expected to generate $44 billion this year, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council.

The total direct contribution of travel and tourism to GCC's GDP will hit $44bn, up 27 per cent from 2009, the peak of the financial crisis in the Gulf, said the council.

The new figures were released as top industry executives and officials head to the annual Arabian Hotel Investment Conference 2012 (AHIC), which takes place in Dubai from April 28-30.

They will discuss investment opportunities in a region where governments are ploughing billions of dollars into tourism infrastructure.

Flush with petrodollars, with oil prices consistently above $120 a barrel, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have embarked on aggressive hotel and transport development programmes as they seek to diversify their economies away from oil and boost revenues from the tourism sector.

"AHIC provides a platform for investors, government officials, developers, hotel executives and advisers to come together," said conference organiser Bench Events chairman Jonathan Worsley.

"Investment into the region's tourism industry is still an attractive proposition despite the Arab Spring and the prospect of a recession in Europe," he added.

In the UAE, this figure is expected to hit $19.9bn this year, compared with $16.6bn in 2009.

Some its major tourism infrastructure investments include the $8bn expansion of Dubai International Airport, as the emirate seeks to increase its capacity from 60 million passengers to 90m by 2018 to become the world's busiest airport.

"The economic conditions in the GCC are excellent and hotel revenues are continuing to grow steadily, so we see the region as a key hotel investment destination," said Golden Tupil Hotels Middle East North Africa president Amine Moukarzel.

The direct contribution of travel and tourism to Saudi Arabia's GDP is expected to reach $14.9bn, or 2.9pc in 2012, up from $10.4bn in 2009, or 2.7pc, as the kingdom focuses its efforts to provide travel infrastructure to boost religious, business and domestic tourism.

Saudi Arabia is spending more than $500m on expanding its airports and planning a new $7bn airport in Jeddah.

Well-documented but still impressive is Qatar's infrastructure spending which will dominate the next five years as it prepares to host the 2022 World Cup and for life beyond, with around $65bn due to be invested in new transportation schemes.

These include the new $11bn Doha International Airport, the $6bn Doha port project and a $25bn metro and railway.

The direct contribution of travel and tourism to Qatar's GDP is expected to reach $1.1bn in 2012, compared to $800m in 2009.

As well as focusing on the Middle East's investment landscape after the Arab Spring, AHIC will hold a session that looks at the issues facing Egypt.

Key industry figures will address challenges of developing and operating in Mecca and Medina.

Source: http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=326095

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Tourism Sector Sets Modest Expectations for 2012

Although last year was exceptionally good for the tourism sector, the expectations set for 2012 are humble, said Feliks Mägus, chairman of the Hotel and Restaurant Association.

Economic and political instabilities around the world have made tour operators and hospitality businesses cautious. "No one in the field is actually planning to launch any large-scale projects and their estimates [for this year] remain modest," Mägus told uudised.err.ee, adding that the sector is still recovering from the economic downturn.

So far, however, booking figures in accommodation establishments suggest that demand is high among both business travelers and holidaymakers, Mägus said.

In 2011, foreign tourists left 1.2 billion euros in Estonia - an increase of around 130 million euros compared to the year before, according to Enterprise Estonia. The number of incoming visitors rose by nearly 15 percent.

The opening of the St. Petersburg-Tallinn-Stockholm ferry line, simpler border crossing for Russian tourists, extensive campaigns launched by tour operators and cities, Euro 2012 football preliminaries and foreign media coverage of Estonia's positive economic indicators during the Eurozone crisis were just a couple of reasons cited by the Association behind last year’s outstanding figures.

The European Capital of Culture events in Tallinn last year, however, did little to increase the number of overnight stays in the capital's accommodation establishments, but instead had a more future-oriented effect, Mägus argued.

Source: http://news.err.ee/economy/2d66415e-0b36-4d32-b4e4-94f4ef27f2ab

Gulf Countries Invest In Moroccan Tourism

Morocco hopes to recover from the loss of money caused by the problems in the Euro zone. The authorities aim to gain sponsorship from oil rich gulf countries.

The problems of countries, which chose the Euro to be their currency, have been well-documented in recent times. Wallets have become tighter and luxury items such as trips to North Africa for a holiday are not as affordable as they used to be.

90% of the tourists, who have visited Morocco in recent times, come from Europe, mostly from France. This means that cuts in the spending on the French market have had a detrimental effect on the Moroccan economy. Risma, the affiliate of the French hotelier Accor, has complained loudly about the losses and an overall estimate has been made that Morocco is 3.8% down on last year in terms of exports and remittances. This figure came from the second quarter.

The good news is that Morocco can now await a support package to the degree of $2.5 billion from three Gulf countries. A recent agreement, signed in Rabat, meant a future binding of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Morocco. The oil-rich states see sovereign investment in North Africa as a worthwhile means of investment for the future and the Moroccans are currently in no position to disagree or argue.

One of the first projects of this Moroccan-Gulf alliance is going to be in Ouazazate, which has traditionally been a destination for filmmakers. If more films follow in the steps of “Lawrence of Arabia” and others, then this can only contribute positively to the Moroccan economy. The alliance does not take the burden of the Moroccan tourist board in convincing Europeans to come back, even if the Euro scares them out of it.

Source: http://www.tourism-review.com/gulf-countries-invest-in-moroccan-tourism-news3039

Sri Lanka tourist arrivals up nearly 26% year-on-year in November

Dec 09, Colombo: Sri Lanka's Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has recorded a 25.8 percent increase in tourist arrivals to the country in November this year in comparison to the corresponding period last year.

SLTDA statistics have recorded 90,889 tourist arrivals in November 2011 while the number of arrivals in the 11 months up to November rose 33.1 percent to 758,458.

The arrivals for the first ten months of this year surpassed the annual tourist arrivals of 654,476 recorded in 2010.

Up to November 2011, arrival from Western Europe topped the charts with 281,484 arrivals, a 24.5 percent increase over last year.

During this period, arrivals from South Asia rose 38.8 percent year-on-year to 211,777, with 153,919 coming from the northern neighbor India.

Tourist arrivals from the Middle East saw a significant increase of 54.2 percent in 2011. However, the number of arrivals remained small at 52,597.

Since the end of the war against the Tamil Tiger terrorists in May 2009, the country has seen increasing tourist arrivals every year for the past two years.

The government predicts arrivals to grow by 20 percent and hit a new record of over 800,000 this year.

Sri Lanka launched a new five-year plan under the guidance of the Economic Development Minister to boost tourism in the country. Under the plan Sri Lanka expects to raise the number of arrivals to 2.5 million and to earn annual revenue of US$ 2.75 billion by 2016.

Source: http://www.colombopage.com/archive_11B/Dec09_1323413092CH.php

Colombia: A rising tourism destination

More companies than ever are selling Colombia as a travel product. From the country’s rich tourism offerings both in nature and culture, Colombia is a transformed destination that is attracting global visitors. Jumping from 12 to 21 Colombian tour operators this past year, Colombia is enjoying a sharp rise in its tourism infrastructure.

“We are proud to show that Colombia is climbing the global ranks as a premier tourism destination,” said Maria Claudia Lacouture, President of Proexport Colombia. “Tour operators are a chief influencer in the tourism world, and by offering more exciting packages for our visitors we will continue to enjoy our tourism growth.”

Colombia’s rugged topography contains numerous environments that are ideal for exploring year-round. The destination’s varied landscapes, rich in flora and fauna, invite all to experience its adrenaline pumping thrills. In Colombia, adventure is waiting for everyone:

Bird watching: Containing the world’s largest collection of amphibians, butterflies and flowers, Colombia also holds the title of containing the world’s second highest number of bird species (1,865 bird species). Colombia is a paradise for birdwatchers, with countless options in the Andes Mountains, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the jungles of the Amazon and Chocó regions, the Eastern Plains, the lowlands of the Caribbean region, and the inter-Andean valleys. From June to November the country turns into the homes of hundreds of birds that take rest on their migratory journey.

Diving: Colombia is one of the world’s diving marvels thanks to the privileged features of its two oceans- The Atlantic and Pacific oceans, considered true living laboratories. Due to the unique adaptations of the fauna, the vegetation is home to a wealth of endemic species. Diving in Colombia involves visiting natural parks, traveling across extensive virgin beaches and jungles, and getting to know Indian villages and communities that preserve their ancestral traditions.

Rafting: With strong currents that run down the various mountains of Colombia, there are exciting opportunities for engaging in the thrilling sport of river rafting, an activity with remote origins in southern Africa yet relatively new in Colombia. The best places for rafting include: the Magdalena River near the municipality of San Agustín (in Huila); the Río Negro (in Cundinamarca); the Barragán River in the Café Triangle, and the Suárez, Chicamocha, and Fonce Rivers (in Santander).

Paragliding: Undoubtedly the sport that comes closest to man’s oldest illusion, flying. Paragliding is a safe and environmental friendly activity that allows one to experience the thrills of soaring above spectacular and exotic landscapes. The destination’s best sites for paragliding are in Santander, Valle del Cauca, Bogota and Medellin. Aside from rainy days, paragliding may be practiced year round in Colombia.

Sun and Beach: As a destination where the sand is caressed by two oceans, Colombia’s privileged location allows its visitors to enjoy over 2,900 km of coasts on two oceans and the Caribbean Sea. Talk about the ultimate beach vacation! With 300 beaches to choose from, Colombia’s beaches line most of the Pacific coast, while the Caribbean coast contains wide beach beaches and large resort complexes. Soak up all the fun in the sun with every water activity imaginable.

In Colombia, there is a land of adventure waiting for you. Let your heart learn to beat in its varied landscapes and rich terrains.

Source: http://www.eturbonews.com/

Total travel management compensation up 5% over 2010

The majority of travel buyers (62%) are satisfied with their salaries, with average total compensation climbing five percent this year to $101,736 according to findings released from the GBTA Foundation’s annual 2011 Travel Management Compensation and Benefits Survey. Based on the responses of 255 corporate travel and meetings managers working in the U.S. and Canada, a large majority of travel managers (71%) also noted their travel departments haven’t seen job cuts related to the economy.

“Despite global economic challenges, job security and compensation remain strong for travel buyers,” said Craig Banikowski, GBTA Chairman. “Employers increasingly recognize that business travel is a strategic investment in growth and rely on their travel management teams to ensure a good return on that investment.”

Key Findings:

Salary

Compensation levels for travel professionals tend to increase as total domestic travel spend increases. In 2011 average compensation by title is as follows:

- Directors: 1% increase to $133,965

- Managers/ Supervisors: 11% increase to $101,250

- Coordinators/Specialists, Administrative Assistants: 5% increase to $62,514

- In addition, two out of five respondents (40%) say their employer offers a stock option plan.

Responsibilities

- Travel managers are increasingly responsible for global programs, with 69% of respondents indicating their program covers travelers based in other countries vs. 54% of respondents in 2010.

- The role of travel managers is multifaceted. Classic duties include: negotiating with travel vendors (95%); administering corporate travel programs (91%); and developing and administering travel policy (84%).

- Buyers also have responsibilities in other areas such as technology, including evaluating and applying new technology to travel management (80%) and developing travel risk management/travel security programs (50%).

Professional Development

- Nearly 90% of respondents reported their convention attendance and professional association dues are benefits paid in full by their employer.

- Nearly eight out of ten (78%) said their employers also covered continuing education.

“Companies recognize that travel managers are the key to developing and implementing strategic travel management programs and are investing in their continued education,” Banikowski concluded. “Through professional development, business travel buyers will continue to improve their knowledge and skills, expanding their ability to support corporate travelers and help maximize the value of their companies’ travel programs.”

The 2011 Travel Management Compensation and Benefits Survey from the GBTA Foundation is an annual report based on the responses of 255 corporate travel and meetings managers working in the United States and Canada. The report is designed to allow individual travel managers to compare their compensation levels and benefits to those of their peers. The report provides detailed data on respondents’ gender, job titles, professional certification, years of experience, and more.

Source: http://www.traveldailynews.com/

Harvey World Travel extends helping hand to Vietnam

Harvey World Travel has extended a helping hand to more than 1.7 million underprivileged and disabled children in Vietnam by committing aid to the Loreto Vietnam Australia Program (LVAP).

Based in Vietnam, LVAP is an NGO which aims to reduce poverty through education. Since 1997, the charity has fostered an encouraging learning environment for over 10,000 children, and with support from Harvey World Travel, will provide a purpose built computer rooms for the students.

Managing Director of Harvey World Travel, David Rivers, says the business is proud to support the program by helping to provide Vietnam's poorest people with an opportunity to learn, grow and develop self-sufficient, sustainable communities.

“By supporting LVAP's mission to reduce poverty in Vietnam, we're helping the locals help themselves. With the necessary education and resources, these communities can stand firmly on their own two feet,” says Rivers.

Rivers says Harvey World Travel strongly believes sponsoring LVAP is a mutually beneficial project, not only for the Vietnamese communities, but also for HWT customers and its employees.

“We want our staff members to be proud of who they work for and enjoy a working environment with values and ethos. With this ideal in mind, we constantly encourage our staff to be involved in charity work in whatever capacity they can,” says Rivers.

"This year, Harvey World Travel celebrates its 60th anniversary. We're one of the longest established retail travel agencies in Australia and can boast over 430 travel agencies worldwide, but we're also a business that's always had an interest in sharing our successes and contributing to the greater good. Our partnership with LVAP and the people of Vietnam is legacy we want to leave behind."

Source : Harvey World Travel